Over 180 workers at the Coleford factory which produces Ribena and Lucozade have called off escalated industrial action.

Unite secured a 5.5% pay increase.for workers employed by Suntory Beverage & Food in the Forest of Dean.

This deal follows seven days of strikes after Unite claimed billion-pound Suntory had rescinded on a commitment to undertake a pay review.

Staff were promised a review should inflation exceed 5% before June 2023, a promise they say Suntory had failed to honour.

However, following the initial industrial action earlier this month, fresh talks were held and an improved offer was made. The workers will now receive a back payment effective from April 2023.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The unity of our members was critical. Once Suntory saw that members were not prepared to budge, it returned to the bargaining table with an improved offer.

"This result again demonstrates how Unite is actively delivering improvements to the jobs, pay and conditions of our members."

The next phase of industrial action was due to begin today (Wednesday), lasting until Thursday, March 7. However, following the acceptance of the improved offer, this action will not go ahead.

Unite regional officer Michael Hobbs added: "Our members should not have to choose between heating or eating. The cost-of-living crisis is hard to navigate so this pay increase provides much needed support during a difficult economic period.

"Despite this agreement there remains several issues of major concern for our members at Suntory and Unite will be addressing them during forthcoming negotiations."

Karl Ottomar, supply chain director, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I, said: "Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I has reached an agreement with our union and employee representatives. This pay negotiation agreement represents a generous offer to our employees and cements our position as a top employer in the region.

"We're pleased that our focus can now be directed to strengthening our customer service and producing our iconic Lucozade and Ribena drinks in the heart of the Forest of Dean."

The deal that Unite secured was for a total pay increase from 2023 of 5.5%, which is a 2% increase on what had originally been awarded.

Negotiations for the 2024 pay increase will begin on April 1. Unite will also be addressing several other issues including with workers' shifts, after a recently imposed change from Suntory.